Meghan Markle's Rumored Acting Return After UK Move Hints She's Eager For More Star Power

Royal watchers are running to refill their popcorn buckets after the shocking news that came out of Montecito this week. Amid a family truce, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are returning to the U.K. While the couple hasn't indicated how long they'll be staying, signs indicate they plan to make England their home for the foreseeable future. For one, young Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will be attending school there. Meghan's plans also hint at the family's future: She's reportedly resuming her acting career.

News.com.au, an Australian news service, reports that the Duchess has been offered a major role in an undisclosed project in the U.K. "I'm told it's significant, and she's very excited about it," outlet correspondent Bronte Coy told the BBC Radio 4's "Today" program (per Daily Mail). People later broke the news that the tantalizing role is said to be in "The Gentlemen," a Netflix series set in the U.K. The third season is in the planning stages, and "it's unclear how many episodes [Meghan] would appear in," according to the source.

If true, this shift suggests the former "Suits" star could be looking for more time in the spotlight, or at least polishing her image. Meghan has been called a copycat numerous times for everything from her fashion sense (critics say it mimics the style of Catherine, Princess of Wales) to her As Ever luxury products. Lacking royal duties or branding cred, the Duchess may want to revert to familiar ground.

King Charles III is said to be pleased about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's reverse-Megxit move, since it means he can see his youngest grandchildren more often. That sentiment may not extend to other royal family members, however. William is reportedly "fuming" over Harry and Meghan's return on several counts. The heir apparent is also wary of his brother's intentions. A source tells Australia's Woman's Day, "William suspects Harry and Meghan actually do think they're going to be accepted back onto the royal roster." 

Even if the Sussexes don't ask to have their royal duties reinstated, Meghan's reported return to acting could still cause turmoil for her in-laws. Palace insiders have claimed the duchess chafed at the restrictions put on her when she was a member of The Firm, and resented being lower than Kate in the family hierarchy. If true, returning to her performing career could provide more opportunities for Meghan to take attention away from the Princess and gain more supporters in the U.K.

Royal watcher Bronte Coy also speculated that the acting offer factored heavily into the Sussexes' decision to move: "This is such a key part of the puzzle," she said. "I think when we all heard that news that Harry and Meghan were moving here, and within a matter of days, the kids were enrolled in school, everyone was asking, what is Meghan going to be doing?" The Prince and Princess of Wales will surely be wondering this as well.